Solar Panels

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W vs Maxeon 7 475W

Side-by-side comparison based on specs, real pricing, and our crew's installation experience. Updated for 2026.

REC

Maxeon

9.5

Choose REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W if:

Maximum energy per square foot
Space-constrained roofs needing highest output
Homeowners who want the premium option with best warranty
Hot climates (best temperature coefficient)

$1.30-1.50/W (panel only)

9.5

Choose Maxeon 7 475W if:

Homeowners who want the absolute best — highest efficiency, longest warranty
Severely space-constrained roofs where every watt matters
Long-term ownership (40-year warranty outlasts the mortgage)
Maximum lifetime energy production

$1.60-1.90/W (panel only)

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470

Maxeon Maxeon 7 SPR-MAX7-475

Price

$1.30-1.50/W (panel only)

$1.60-1.90/W (panel only)

Warranty

25 years

40 years

Wattage

470W

475W

Efficiency

22.6%

24.1%

Temp Coefficient

-0.26%/°C

-0.27%/°C

Degradation Rate

0.25%/yr (92% at year 25)

0.25%/yr (90% at year 40)

Cell Type

Heterojunction (HJT), gapless

Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC)

Dimensions

42.5 x 74.3 x 1.2 in (1080 x 1890 mm)

42.2 x 74.1 x 1.6 in (1072 x 1882 mm)

Weight

46.3 lbs (21 kg)

47.6 lbs (21.6 kg)

Origin

Norway / Singapore

Malaysia / Philippines

Frame

Black anodized aluminum

NuWatt Rating

9.5/10

Pros & Cons

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Pros

+22.6% efficiency — among the highest available for residential
+-0.26%/°C temperature coefficient — best heat performance in lineup
+0.25%/yr degradation — 92% output at year 25
+REC ProTrust warranty covers product, power, and labor
+HJT cell technology for superior long-term performance
+470W output — 15% more power per panel than Q CELLS

Cons

-Premium pricing — 20-30% more than Q CELLS per watt
-Lower availability — longer lead times possible
-European manufacturing means higher shipping costs

Maxeon 7 475W

Pros

+24.1% efficiency — highest available for residential panels
+40-year warranty — only panel with this coverage
+IBC cell technology — no front-side shading from busbars
+Solid copper backing resists micro-cracks better than any competitor
+0.25%/yr degradation — 90% output at year 40
+Superior shade tolerance from back-contact cell design

Cons

-Most expensive panel on the market — 40-60% premium over Q CELLS
-Maxeon's financial restructuring creates some supply uncertainty
-Premium pricing hard to justify when residential ITC is gone in 2026

Installation Notes from Our Crew

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

REC Alpha Pure-RX is our go-to premium panel. The 470W output means fewer panels for the same system size, which reduces racking hardware and labor. HJT cells have near-zero LID (light-induced degradation), so these panels produce at full rated power from day one. We recommend REC for space-constrained roofs where every watt per square foot counts.

Maxeon 7 475W

Maxeon 7 is the Ferrari of solar panels. The IBC cells produce noticeably more energy on partially shaded roofs — we've measured 10-15% more output vs standard panels in real-world shade conditions. The solid copper backing means we've never had a micro-crack warranty claim. We recommend this for customers who plan to stay in their home 20+ years and want maximum lifetime production. The 40-year warranty is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W or Maxeon 7 475W better?

The REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W scores 9.5/10 vs 9.5/10 in our rating. It excels at: maximum energy per square foot. The Maxeon 7 475W is the better choice if: homeowners who want the absolute best — highest efficiency, longest warranty. The right pick depends on your specific situation.

How much does the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W cost vs the Maxeon 7 475W?

The REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W costs $1.30-1.50/W (panel only). The Maxeon 7 475W costs $1.60-1.90/W (panel only). Both prices include professional installation by NuWatt Energy. State incentives may reduce your net cost — use our calculator for exact pricing.

Which has a better warranty?

The REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W has a 25-year warranty (25-year product, power, and labor warranty (REC ProTrust)). The Maxeon 7 475W has a 40-year warranty (40-year Complete Confidence warranty (product, power, labor, roof)). Maxeon offers the longer warranty.

Does NuWatt install both the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W and Maxeon 7 475W?

Yes. NuWatt Energy installs both products and our crew has hands-on experience with each. We can help you choose based on your home, energy goals, and budget during a free consultation.

Can I switch from REC to Maxeon later?

In most cases, yes. Solar panels can be replaced individually if needed, though it's best to install matching panels. Mixing panel types on the same string inverter can reduce performance. Contact NuWatt for a specific assessment of your system.

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Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470

Maxeon Maxeon 7 SPR-MAX7-475

Price

$1.30-1.50/W (panel only)

$1.60-1.90/W (panel only)

Warranty

25 years

40 years

Wattage

470W

475W

Efficiency

22.6%

24.1%

Temp Coefficient

-0.26%/°C

-0.27%/°C

Degradation Rate

0.25%/yr (92% at year 25)

0.25%/yr (90% at year 40)

Cell Type

Heterojunction (HJT), gapless

Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC)

Dimensions

42.5 x 74.3 x 1.2 in (1080 x 1890 mm)

42.2 x 74.1 x 1.6 in (1072 x 1882 mm)

Weight

46.3 lbs (21 kg)

47.6 lbs (21.6 kg)

Origin

Norway / Singapore

Malaysia / Philippines

Frame

Black anodized aluminum

NuWatt Rating

9.5/10

Pros & Cons

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Pros

+22.6% efficiency — among the highest available for residential
+-0.26%/°C temperature coefficient — best heat performance in lineup
+0.25%/yr degradation — 92% output at year 25
+REC ProTrust warranty covers product, power, and labor
+HJT cell technology for superior long-term performance
+470W output — 15% more power per panel than Q CELLS

Cons

-Premium pricing — 20-30% more than Q CELLS per watt
-Lower availability — longer lead times possible
-European manufacturing means higher shipping costs

Maxeon 7 475W

Pros

+24.1% efficiency — highest available for residential panels
+40-year warranty — only panel with this coverage
+IBC cell technology — no front-side shading from busbars
+Solid copper backing resists micro-cracks better than any competitor
+0.25%/yr degradation — 90% output at year 40
+Superior shade tolerance from back-contact cell design

Cons

-Most expensive panel on the market — 40-60% premium over Q CELLS
-Maxeon's financial restructuring creates some supply uncertainty
-Premium pricing hard to justify when residential ITC is gone in 2026

Installation Notes from Our Crew

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Maxeon 7 475W

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W or Maxeon 7 475W better?

How much does the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W cost vs the Maxeon 7 475W?

Which has a better warranty?

Does NuWatt install both the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W and Maxeon 7 475W?

Yes. NuWatt Energy installs both products and our crew has hands-on experience with each. We can help you choose based on your home, energy goals, and budget during a free consultation.

Can I switch from REC to Maxeon later?

Update Location

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W vs Maxeon 7 475W

Choose REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W if:

Choose Maxeon 7 475W if:

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Pros & Cons

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Pros

Cons

Maxeon 7 475W

Pros

Cons

Installation Notes from Our Crew

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Maxeon 7 475W

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Not Sure Which to Choose?

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W vs Maxeon 7 475W

Choose REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W if:

Choose Maxeon 7 475W if:

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Pros & Cons

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Pros

Cons

Maxeon 7 475W

Pros

Cons

Installation Notes from Our Crew

REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W

Maxeon 7 475W

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Not Sure Which to Choose?